Chapter 502: Ning Hao

The film and entertainment industries have strict hierarchies and a chain of contempt, and those standing at the very top are always the big directors and big producers of the film circle.

Around them, there is never a shortage of beautiful women or temptations that are hard to resist.

In the morning, when the news of Xu Ke and Teacher Shi Nansheng's divorce spread, the entire Chinese-language film and television circle, and even the Southeast Asian film circle, was instantly in an uproar.

The 64-year-old Xu Ke, after all, is old in age but not in heart; after several times, he finally followed his heart.

He chose a female assistant 30 years his junior, abandoning the wife who had shared his hardships for nearly forty years—the one who had promoted him, supported him, and assisted him.

The once down-and-out poor boy who met a talented, well-connected rich girl has now reached this point, leaving many sighing endlessly.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei both have a very good impression of Teacher Shi Nansheng.

Lin Nan's second Silver Bear for Best Director and the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize were both presented to him personally by Teacher Shi Nansheng.

I remember on the awards stage at Cannes, Teacher Shi Nansheng praised Liu Yifei to her face for being beautiful.

When introducing Lin Nan and Liu Yifei to all the guests and cameras at the scene, she even specially added a final sentence:

"They are the director and producer of *Star Luck*, they are also the lead actors, and they are even a couple..."

Thinking about it now, Teacher Shi Nansheng is indeed a senior in the industry who makes people feel like they are bathed in a spring breeze—a strong woman.

At this moment, a big director couldn't resist temptation and, in his old age, pulled such a stunt.

Other well-known directors in the industry, especially those who have had scandalous news, immediately became the targets of public criticism online.

Many people are complaining that the film and entertainment industry is a place of moral decay, that there is no cat among big directors that doesn't steal fish, and that sooner or later they will all reach this point.

Weibo is even more of a mess, with a large number of netizens tagging and leaving comments one by one: Jiang Wen, Ning Hao, Xu Zheng...

Even Lin Nan, who hasn't officially married yet, was "warned" by a large number of fans and moviegoers: learn to cherish and keep your original heart!

"This is simply an unprovoked disaster; I am single-mindedly devoted only to our Xixi!"

Lin Nan smacked his lips and said speechlessly.

"You're still fine; look at the internet. Didn't I just go to a bar with them for a few drinks? How long ago was that? They're still digging up old news now, and those girls weren't even called by me..."

Looking at the grumbling Ning Hao, Lin Nan joked: "Hehe, who knows? Look at Xu Zheng; he's only left with a piece of cloth to cover himself, and you two were together."

Speaking of this, Lin Nan suddenly paused, "I think I should stay away from you in the future; don't affect my reputation!"

"Get lost, you jerk."

As the two were joking, Xing Aina walked in with fruit and said in an indifferent tone: "Staying away from him is a good idea."

The office went quiet instantly; Lin Nan didn't even know how to respond to that sentence.

Ning Hao just put on a thick-skinned face and said with a grin: "What are you saying? I'm not that ignorant of what's good; family is the most important. Besides, with my bandit-like appearance, it's impossible..."

"Director Xu looks even more..."

"Shut your mouth!" Ning Hao glared at Lin Nan, gritting his teeth and scolding in a low voice.

"Lin Nan, eat up; these are imported fruits I just bought."

"Thank you, Sister Na."

Ignoring the flustered big director Ning, Lin Nan held back his laughter and ate the big cherries by himself.

"I'm about to start promotion on my side; are you sure your company's people can't come back?"

Ning Hao was quite sharp; in the blink of an eye, he diverted the topic to business, instantly easing the awkward atmosphere.

"*Flower Thousand Bones* will probably only wrap up by the end of August or early September; she can follow the promotion for the last month."

Lin Nan's implication was that Zhao Liying cannot return to participate in the one-and-a-half-month promotion activities for *Breakup Buddies* in July and August.

"Well, alright then. It's only because they are artists from your company; other actors wouldn't dare say half a 'no' word." Ning Hao said resentfully.

"This is one of the reasons why everyone wants to sign with my company, haha..." Lin Nan laughed and responded.

The next second, his tone changed again: "Let's talk; what exactly is the matter with inviting me here today? It shouldn't just be to complain, ask for people, and eat fruit, right?"

Hearing Lin Nan's words, the smile on Xing Aina's face faded a little, and she looked at Ning Hao intentionally or unintentionally.

The latter gave a hehe laugh, "Nothing much, just those three things. Just bored with nothing to do, so I asked you over to chat."

"Really nothing?" Lin Nan was a bit skeptical.

"Nothing."

"Then if I had known, I would have called Xixi when I left the company. The cherries are quite sweet." Lin Nan joked.

"Haha, when you leave in a while, take some for Yifei; there's still plenty."

As Xing Aina spoke, she got up to go prepare. Everyone is an old friend, so Lin Nan didn't stand on ceremony.

More than half an hour later, downstairs at Bad Monkey, Lin Nan put two small paper boxes into the back seat.

"I'm off, let's gather another day."

Sitting in the driver's seat, Lin Nan waved to Ning Hao and the other.

Watching the car drive away, Xing Aina then spoke: "Why didn't you bring it up? Wasn't inviting Lin Nan over to talk about the company's affairs?"

Ning Hao's brows were tightly furrowed: "Xu Zheng and the others have a great idea: organize some well-known directors to jointly invest in a new company or buy a small listed company to go public through a shell, forming an alliance to become capital."

Speaking of this, Ning Hao paused, "But we are still talking about the acquisition right now; there's no shadow yet. With empty words and no proof, how can I convince Lin Nan?

Besides, he is capital himself! Whether he likes it or agrees to it is hard to say. Better to wait until there is progress before talking to him; it will also seem more real."

This matter already has several partners, and Lin Nan is considered by them to be one of the best partners in the film and television circle, which is why they let Ning Hao try to solicit him, but Ning Hao hesitated today.

"I have a feeling that Lin Nan might not agree when the time comes..."

Xing Aina said abruptly. As a friend, she knows that Lin Nan's character and personality are actually very conservative, and he cherishes his reputation.

Since he has already formed his own faction in the circle, why would he want to invest in another film and television capital? Is it just for some shares and money? Lin Nan Film Industry is not short of these.

"Do you think I don't have this feeling?"

Ning Hao said softly. The two relationships of friend and partner sometimes really need to be handled carefully, otherwise, it's possible that neither can be maintained.

…………

The open auditions for *The Mermaid* have officially begun, and at the same time, the casting for roles is also being carried out together.

The audition site in the capital is almost overcrowded. Led by the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Drama, and the Beijing Dance Academy, female students from major universities have all come.

Lin Nan heard from people at Starry Sky that the number of young girls participating in the open auditions nationwide adds up to as many as 120,000.

Sure enough, everyone has a dream of wanting to be a star and wanting to become an overnight sensation!

Zhou Xingchi's temporary focus is on the auditions for other major roles.

Only when the auditions reach the later stages and only a few dozen people are left will he participate and select them personally.

Even so, Zhou Xingchi personally called to invite Lin Nan to go to the scene to watch the competition during the final stage of the open auditions.

China Film and Shanghai Film also received invitations, and no one refused.

At noon, when Lin Nan was helping Liu Xiaoli prepare lunch, Liu Yifei drove her red Ferrari back from outside.

"Oh, where did these big cherries come from?"

Miss Liu picked up the fruit platter and started eating; they were the ones Lin Nan had washed in advance.

"Sister Na gave them. By the way, how is it going with Wu Jing?"

"Although I don't have an aesthetic specialty for this type of film, just judging by the editing, I think the editing effect of *Wolf Warrior* is still a bit rough."

Liu Yifei picked up a big cherry and handed it to Lin Nan's mouth, commenting.

This morning, Wu Jing called and invited Liu Yifei, the producer and investor, to watch the film's editing effect; it seems the result is not good.

"For one thing, he is still a newcomer director; for another, after all, it's just the first cut, so it's understandable if it's a bit off." Lin Nan comforted.

"Yeah, that's what I said too; at worst, we just lose a little money."

Liu Yifei is quite open-minded; it's estimated that Wu Jing wouldn't dare think like that.

The latter has taken a "burn the boats" stance; if he loses money again, his path as a director will really be impossible to continue.

As if remembering something fun, Liu Yifei leaned into Lin Nan's ear with a giggle: "Xie Nan's belly is round, and it's even moving when you touch it."

At this silly look, Lin Nan almost couldn't stop laughing, complaining in his heart: "Sooner or later, you will be like that too."

"Tsk tsk, Wu Jing is even joking, saying he is living a life of being a beast of burden now." Liu Yifei raised her eyebrows at Lin Nan.

"Beast of burden? That's indeed quite miserable; we don't need to sympathize with him."

Lin Nan didn't take the bait, causing Liu Yifei to roll her eyes.

"I have to go back for a trip these two days; you two figure it out if you're hungry."

Liu Xiaoli said with a full face of smiles and a gentle tone. Seeing that her own daughter is about to get engaged, it seems the burden on her has lightened a bit.

"Mom, don't worry; Lin Nan can cook, and we can also go out to eat."

Lin Nan smiled and nodded, thinking to himself that Miss Liu is really not polite, but Old Man Lin did indeed instruct his "daughter-in-law" like that back then.

"Yeah, that's good. I will notify all the relatives that should be invited this time."

Hearing Liu Xiaoli's words, Liu Yifei felt a bit embarrassed instead, responding in a low voice: "Oh..."

……

In the film market, *Tiny Times 3* was officially released amidst the cheers of fans who were everywhere and telling each other the news.

The gradually decreasing screening volume of the three films *Transformers 4*, *Ip Man 3*, and *Breakup Buddies* was all given to it.

*Old Boys: The Way of the Dragon* didn't get a single bit of screening, and was instead sucked dry by it.

In the top ten of Weibo's trending searches, Guo Jingming, *Tiny Times 3*, and the main cast members occupied eight seats, which shows how crazy the fans are.

In the afternoon, news of a blockbuster project came from Hong Kong, and it quickly swept through the mainland film circle, making everyone feel astonished.

The first Chinese-language film to break 100 million USD at the North American box office is going to film a sequel, and they actually assembled the team without anyone knowing and are ready to start filming!?

…………

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 503 =====